Best Modems

In 1993, it is estimated that the Internet was used for only 1% of telecommunications. By the year 2000, it increased to 50%, and by 2010, it was close to 99% of all telecommunications! With the increased dependence on the Internet getting high-quality Internet connectivity has become vital. Almost anyone with a computer wants Internet access--and a modem is the means of achieving that access. And not only computers: with a wireless modem, you can also ensure connectivity for your Smartphone, laptop, tablet, and other devices as well. But there are several types of modems available: ADSL modems, that work with your phone line; Cable modems, that work with your cable TV provider; and optical cable modems. There are also many specs for each type of modem, and it's best to learn about them before making a purchase.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting the best modem for your needs. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of modem,

• See useful tips about that particular type of modem,

• Read reviews of different modems, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of modem, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• ADSL Modem: ADSL stands for “Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line”. This modem connects to an Internet Service Provider or ISP. These will provide Internet connectivity over copper-wire phone lines, that go to a telephone socket on the wall by means of an RJ-11 cable. An example is the Netgear Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem. (The connections in the below image are, from left to right: RJ-11 port which connects to a phone line, 4 Ethernet ports, USB port, and power.)

Netgear Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem

• Optical fiber Modem: You’ll also see Fios routers and modems. Fios stands for Fiber Optic Service, which provides connectivity over fiber optic cable. This is considered quicker and more reliable than signals going over phone lines, as with an ADSL modem. An example is the Actiontec Verizon Fios Router.

Verizon Fios Router by Actiontec (Model MI424WR, Rev. I)

• Cable Modem: This type of modem enables Internet access over cable TV connections. Instead of connecting the modem to a phone jack in the wall, you’ll connect it to the cable TV jack by means of a coaxial cable. This has the advantage of better performance when there are a lot of users connected. Also, since the signals are carried over cable, the signals remain strong and accurate even over long distances. An example is the Netgear N600 WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router. (The connections in the below image are, from left-to-right: USB port, two Ethernet ports, a port for a coaxial cable, and power.)

Netgear N600 WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router

• Eliminate cable modem rental fees: If you own your own cable modem, you can save the cost of renting the modem from the cable company. This will pay for itself over 5-6 months.

• Easy installation: An ADSL modem will usually be rather straightforward to install, after hooking up the necessary cables to your computer and the phone line. For wireless connectivity, you’ll have to enter the modem’s password to hook up tablets and laptops wirelessly. As for cable modems, the process is somewhat more involved:

1. Connect a coaxial cable from the modem to the cable wall jack.

2. Plug an Ethernet cable from the modem to the router, or into the computer.

3. Plug the power cable into the modem, and turn it on.

4. After all of the lights on the modem are lit, go to the activation page of your cable provider, call the cable company, and enter in the modem’s model number and MAC (media access control) address. The company will activate the modem for you.

• Router vs. modem: There is some confusion between the uses of the terms “router” and “modem”. The confusion arises because many Internet Service Providers give you a router that has a modem as well when you sign up for service. A router will have several Ethernet ports, which allows you to connect several computers so that they can communicate with each other using Ethernet cables. But that’s not enough to get Internet access. To get Internet connectivity, you’ll have to connect this router to a modem, which will then connect to a phone line in an ADSL modem, or to your cable connection, in a cable modem. Buying a router that has an integrated modem is easier to hook up, and saves you the trouble of connecting two separate devices.

• WiFi connectivity as well: If you want to have Internet access for other devices, such as your tablet or Smartphones, it’s best to get a WiFi router together with your modem.

• DOCSIS: You’ll see cable modems that have DOCSIS 3.0 capability. This stands for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification”. The latest version is DOCSIS 3.1 Full Duplex, which is for improved data rates for incoming and outgoing data signals. (DOCSIS 3.0 enables download speeds that are 8 times better than DOCSIS 2.0.)

• Bandwidth: You’ll see the term “bandwidth” bandied about when describing modems. The bandwidth is the maximum transfer rate of data over an Internet connection. It will be given in Megabits per second or Mbps. (It can also be listed in Megabytes per second, where 1 byte = 8 bits). As more people use an Internet connection over cable, the bandwidth available per user will decrease, making Internet speeds slower. So you’ll notice that your Internet is slower at some parts of the day than others. Cable companies try to correct for this by adding more channels when they see that there are more users.

• Dual-Band Modems: You’ll notice that modems boast of being “dual-band”. This means that it allows two bands of Internet signals: one band at 2.4 GHz frequency and 300 Mbps speed, and one band at 5 GHz frequency and 433 Mbps.  The 2.4 GHz band is better for long-distance signals at lower speeds, while the 5 GHz band is for higher speeds and shorter distances.

• Check if cable modem will work with your cable provider: Note that cable modems have a list of cable providers, for which the modem is compatible. Make sure that your cable provider is listed. For example, the Arris CM8200A Modem works with Comcast, Xfinity, and other companies--but not with Cox.

• Netgear was founded in 1996 and is presently located in San Jose, California and headed by Patrick Lo and Bryan Murray. They make routers, DSL gateways, switches, wireless access points, and more.

• Arris, founded in 1995, is centered in Suwanee, Georgia. They are makers of telecommunications equipment, which grew out of previous companies that specialized in TV antennas and cable TV services earlier in the 20th century. They are responsible for a number of innovations in modems, broadband and video devices.

• Insteon is a company that specializes in home automation products, controlling light switches, thermostats, motion sensors, and more. It was founded in 2005, and has its headquarters in Irvine, California. The devices are controlled by the Insteon Hub. They also make range extenders, to extend the reach of WiFi.